17 October, London: With popular attractions notoriously busy over half term, TripAdvisor has revealed a list of UK sites that are highly rated but lesser known, offering stress-free fun for families.

Including York’s National Railway Museum and Dover Castle, the leading travel site has highlighted ten hidden attraction gems to explore next week.

Unlike some of the traditional and better-known attractions, like the Tower of London and Edinburgh Castle, while rated the same at 4 bubbles or higher on TripAdvisor, booking and review data shows that the half term hidden gems will be perfect for families looking for less crowds and smaller queues to tackle this October.

The list features attractions and activities in popular half term hotspots, including London, Edinburgh, and Cambridge, and offers a range of unique and exciting experiences, from exploring the beloved Beatrix Potter House at Near Sawyer in the Lake District to personally touring the almighty River Thames on the Thames Rocket in London.

Attractions like Mary Arden’s Farm and HMS Warrior 1860 will also provide fun educational activities to keep kids learning whilst on a break from school.

Using bubble ratings, booking and review data, TripAdvisor analysed thousands of bookable UK attractions on its site to identify the top hidden gems ten list:

Hayley Coleman from TripAdvisor commented: “We know that keeping the kids entertained can feel like a full-time job during school breaks. The last thing parents want is for long queues and big crowds to add more stress, which is why our list of bookable half term hidden attraction gems comes highly recommended. Boasting top-ratings families can be sure they’ll have a great day and miss out on the queues and crowds they are more likely to find at leading attractions.”

Unleash the full potential of any trip and secure the lowest prices available by booking attractions ahead, visit www.tripadvisor.co.uk.

The original, fastest and most exhilarating sightseeing boat for kids to explore the river Thames today. Filled with unique sightseeing adventures, this adventure is one not to be missed. Tickets from £34.80. One reviewer said: ‘Great fun for kids and adults.’

For a fantastic day out for the whole family in York, visit the award winning National Railway Museum. Get up close to over 300 years of fascinating history in York's only National Museum. Tickets from £38.00. One reviewer said: ‘Enjoyed it so much we went again the next day!’

Hill Top was Beatrix Potter's most beloved place, packed full of her favourite things and left just as she wanted it for visitors to enjoy. You will see why she loved it so much and used it and the surrounding countryside as inspiration for many of her famous children's tales. Tickets from £46.00. One reviewer said: ‘This place is amazing, the history of Beatrix Potter and her life took my breath away.’

The most iconic of all English fortresses commanding the gateway to the realm for nine centuries. Climb the Great Tower, meet the characters and immerse yourself in vivid medieval interiors. Then delve deep within Dover's White Cliffs to witness the drama in the Secret Wartime Tunnels. Tickets from £67.00. One reviewer said: ‘Unmissable castle. We spent a fantastic day at Dover castle.’

As you arrive at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, the stunning sleek, black lines of Britain's first iron-hulled, armoured warship will take your breath away. Warrior, launched in 1860, was the pride of Queen Victoria's fleet and she was the largest, fastest and most powerful ship of her day. Tickets from £28.00. One reviewer said: ‘Took my friend’s kids to see this. They loved it.’

The Alnwick Garden is one of the world’s most extraordinary contemporary gardens. From poisonous plants and treetop walkways to glorious roses and towering delphiniums, the Duchess of Northumberland’s vision for a forgotten plot is now a truly 21st century experience full of imagination and fun, all brought to life with water.

Tickets from £42.00. One reviewer said: ‘A great place to visit. The cascade water fall is amazing. A good place to let the children run around.’

Blenheim Palace is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture that boasts over 300 years of history to discover. This World Heritage Site is set within more than 2000 acres of Parkland landscaped by 'Capability' Brown. Tickets from £24.90. One reviewer said: ‘Blenheim Palace is a true family venue… it has about everything for the day out.’

Mary Arden's Farm was the childhood home of Shakespeare's mother. Today you can experience all the sights, sounds and smells of a working Tudor farm, just as it would have been when Shakespeare was a boy. Tickets from £14.00. One reviewer said: ‘Lots for the children to see, many animals and friendly staff.’

The Pitt Rivers Museum is one of Oxford’s most popular attractions, famous for its period atmosphere and outstanding collections from many cultures around the world, past and present. Tickets from £24.99 One reviewer said: ‘This place is a real treasure. It is not set out like the usual museum. You feel you have entered an ancient uncle’s loft’.

For more information, please get in touch with the TripAdvisor UK Press Office:

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